Electromagnetically-driven valve

ABSTRACT

An electromagnetically-driven valve includes: intake valves that are arranged side by side; a disk that pivots using applied electromagnetic force to reciprocate the intake valves in a predetermined direction; and a connection member that connects the intake valves to each other. The connection member is provided with a needle bearing into which the pivot motion of the disk is input. The pivot motion of the disk causes a displacement between the needle bearing and the disk in a direction that intersects with the predetermined direction. An oil passage through which oil is supplied to the needle bearing is formed in the connection member.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-151529 filed on Jun. 7, 2007 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to an electromagnetically-driven valve, and more specifically to an electromagnetically-driven valve that collectively opens or closes multiple valves provided in an internal combustion engine.

2. Description of the Related Art

For example, the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,441 describes art related to an existing electromagnetically-driven valve, more specifically, an electromagnetic actuator that actuates a valve of an internal combustion engine using electromagnetic force and elastic force of a spring in combination. The electromagnetic actuator described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,441 includes a valve that has a stem, and a pivot arm. The pivot arm has a first end portion that is pivotally supported by a support frame, and a second end portion that contacts a tip of the stem. Electromagnets each include a core and a coil wound around the core are, are arranged above and below the pivot arm.

The electromagnetic actuator further includes a torsion bar that is fitted to the first end portion of the pivot arm and that applies force to the valve to open the valve, and a spiral spring that is arranged around the outer periphery of the stem and that applies force to the valve to close the valve. The pivot arm is alternately attracted to the cores of the electromagnets arranged above and below the pivot arm on the basis of the elastic force of the torsion bar and the elastic force of the spiral spring.

Electromagnetically-driven valves that are structured in a fashion similar to that described above are described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-23889 (JP-A-2007-23889), Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-32436 (JP-A-2007-32436), the specification of German Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10025491, the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 7,088,209, the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,823, and the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,396.

The electromagnetically-driven valve described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,441 is called a pivot-type electromagnetically-driven valve. The pivot-type electromagnetically-driven valve converts pivot motion of the pivot arm into linear motion, and transfers the linear motion to the valve. In this type of electromagnetically-driven valve, as the pivot arm pivots about the first end portion, a displacement in the direction that intersects with the direction in which the valve moves is caused at the second end portion of the pivot arm. In this case, if lubrication between the second end portion and the stem is inadequate, the valve is not driven smoothly. This may increase the amount of electric power that is consumed by the electromagnetically driven valve or shorten its useful life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an electromagnetically-driven valve in which a valve is driven smoothly.

An aspect of the invention relates to an electromagnetically-driven valve that includes: a first valve and a second valve that are provided in an internal combustion engine, and that are arranged side by side; a disk that pivots using applied electromagnetic force to reciprocate the first valve and the second valve in a predetermined direction; and a connection member that connects the first valve with the second valve. The connection member includes an input portion into which pivot motion of the disk is input. The pivot motion of the disk causes a displacement between the input portion and the disk relative in a direction that intersects with the predetermined direction. An oil passage is formed within the connection member, and allows oil to be supplied to the input portion.

In the thus structured electromagnetically-driven valve, it is possible to supply the oil to the input portion through the oil passage formed within the connection member. Thus, it is possible to reliably lubricate the input portion that is displaced relative to the disk, thereby smoothly driving the first valve and the second valve.

In the first aspect of the invention, the input portion may be a bearing that is arranged so as to contact the disk. In the thus structured electromagnetically-driven valve, it is possible to supply the oil to the bearing through the oil passage.

In the first aspect of the invention, the connection member may include an oil bath portion in which the oil that is supplied through the oil passage is stored and the bearing is disposed. In the thus structured electromagnetically-driven valve, it is possible to reliably supply the oil to the bearing.

In the first aspect of the invention, the bearing may include an outer race, and multiple rotating elements that are arranged inside of the outer race and that are aligned in a circumferential direction of the outer race. The outer race may have an outer periphery that contacts the disk, an inner periphery that contacts the rotating elements, and a hole that extends from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. In the thus structured electromagnetically-driven valve, it is possible to more reliably supply the oil to the rotating elements that are arranged inside the outer race.

In the first aspect of the invention, the connection member may include a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion in which the first valve and the second valve are fitted, respectively. The oil passage may be formed so as to communicate with at least one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion. In the thus structured electromagnetically-driven valve, it is possible to supply the oil to at least one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion. Thus, it is possible to reliably lubricate at least one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, thereby driving the first valve and the second valve more smoothly.

As described above, according to the invention, it is possible to provide the electromagnetically-driven valve in which the valve is driven more smoothly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an example embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or corresponding portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plane view showing a gasoline engine that is provided with electromagnetically-driven valves according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the electromagnetically-driven valve according to the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of a connection member in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the electromagnetically-driven valve, taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of a needle bearing in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are perspective views showing shapes of holes formed in an outer race of the needle bearing in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the electromagnetically-driven valve in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the electromagnetically-driven valve in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, the same or corresponding portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 1 is a plane view showing a gasoline engine provided with electromagnetically-driven valves according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG 1, electromagnetically-driven valves 10 are provided in a gasoline engine 60 that is an internal combustion engine. The gasoline engine 60 includes a plurality of cylinders 200. The cylinders 200 are aligned in one direction with predetermined intervals. The gasoline engine 60 is an in-line multi-cylinder engine.

The type of an internal combustion engine in which the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 is provided is not particularly limited. For example, the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 may be provided in a diesel engine. The internal combustion engine may be a single-cylinder engine. The layout of the cylinders 200 is not particularly limited. The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 may be provided in, for example, a V engine, a horizontally opposed engine, or a W engine.

Each cylinder of the gasoline engine 60 is provided with intake valves 14 p and 14 q and exhaust valves 15 p and 15 q. At each cylinder, the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q are arranged side by side, and the exhaust valve 15 p and the exhaust valve 15 q are arranged side by side. The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 collectively opens or closes the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q of each cylinder of the gasoline engine 60. Similarly, the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 collectively opens or closes the exhaust valve 15 p and the exhaust valve 15 q of each cylinder of the gasoline engine 60.

The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 may be structured so as to collectively open or close three or more intake valves or exhaust valves.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the electromagnetically-driven valve according to the embodiment of the invention. Hereafter, the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 that collectively opens or closes the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q will be described. Note that, the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 that collectively opens or closes the exhaust valve 15 p and the exhaust valve 15 q have the same structure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each electromagnetically-driven valve 10 is a pivot-type electromagnetically-driven valve that is driven by combination of electromagnetic force and elastic force. The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 includes the intake valves 14 p and 14 q, a disk 21 that pivots about a central axis 25, which is a virtual axis, and electromagnets 51 m and 51 n that apply electromagnetic force to the disk 21.

The intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q include a stem 11 p and a stem 11 q, respectively. The stem 11 p and the stem 11 q extend in parallel to each other. The intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q reciprocate in the direction in which the stems 11 p and 11 q extend (direction shown by arrows 101) in accordance with the pivot motion of the disk 21.

The intake valves 14 p and 14 q are provided in a cylinder head 18. Intake ports 16 are formed within the cylinder head 18. Valve seats 19 are provided at positions at which the intake ports 16 are communicated with a combustion chamber 17. The intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q include bell portions 12 that are fitted to the tips of the stem lip and the stem 11 q. In accordance with the reciprocation of the intake valves 14 p and 14 q, the bell portions 12 contact the valve seats 19 or move away from the valve seats 19, whereby the intake ports 16 close or open.

The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 includes a connection member 50. The connection member 50 connects the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q to each other, and transfers the pivot motion of the disk 21 that is caused by the electromagnetic force to the intake valves 14 p and 14 q. The connection member 50 connects the intake valves 14 p and 14 q to the disk 21.

In the embodiment of the invention, the connection member 50 is formed of a valve plate 31 and an intermediate stem 32. The valve plate 31 and the intermediate stem 32 are connected to each other. The valve plate 31 extends from the intake valve 14 p toward the intake valve 14 q. The valve plate 31 connects the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q with each other. The intermediate stem 32 connects the disk 21 and the valve plate 31 to each other. The intermediate stem 32 includes an input portion 32 c to which the pivot motion of the disk 21 is transferred. The driving force generated by the electromagnetic force is transferred from the disk 21 to the valve plate 31 through the intermediate stem 32.

The valve plate 31 and the intermediate stem 32 of the connection member 50 need not be separate members. The valve plate 31 and the intermediate stem 32 may be integrally formed.

The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 includes guide members 41 that guide the stems 11 p and 11 q so that the stems 11 p and 11 q slide in their axial direction. The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 includes a guide member 42 that guides the connection member 50 so that the connection member 50 slides in its axial direction. The guide member 42 guides the intermediate stem 32 of the connection member 50. The guide members 41 and the guide member 42 are made of metal, for example, stainless, so that these guide members endure high-speed slide over the stems. With this structure, the connection member 50 together with the intake valves 14 p and 14 q reciprocates in the direction indicated by the arrows 101.

Lower springs 43, which serve as first spring members, are supported on the peripheries of the stems 11 p and 11 q by lower retainers 44 having a brimmed shape. The lower springs 43 are formed of coil springs. The lower springs 43 apply elastic forces for moving the stems 11 p and 11 q upward to the intake valves 14 p and 14 q.

A support base 48 is fixed onto the top face of the cylinder head 18. The support base 48 supports the electromagnets 51 m and 51 n. The electromagnet 51 m is arranged above the disk 21, and the electromagnet 51 n is arranged below the disk 21.

The electromagnet 51 m and the electromagnet 51 n are the same in shape. The shape of the electromagnet 51 n will be described below. The electromagnet 51 n includes a coil 53 and a core 52. The coil 53 is wound around the core 52.

The core 52 is made of magnetic material. In the embodiment of the invention, the core 52 is formed of multiple electromagnetic steel plates that are stacked on top of each other. The core 52 may be made of magnetic material other than electromagnetic steel plates, for example, a green compact made of magnetic power. The coil 53 of the electromagnet 51 m and the coil 53 of the electromagnet 51 n may be made of a continuous single coil wire, or made of separate coil wires.

The support base 48 supports the disk 21. The disk 21 is made of magnetic material. The disk 21 is formed of a bulk material to maintain a sufficient level of strength. The disk 21 includes a support portion 23 and a connection portion 22. The central axis 25 is defined in the support portion 23. The disk 21 extends from the support portion 23 toward the connection portion 22 in the direction that intersects with the intermediate stem 32.

A through-hole 24 is formed in the support portion 23. A torsion bar 30, which serves as a second spring member, is press-fitted into the through-hole 24. The torsion bar 30 extends in the axial direction of the central axis 25. The support portion 23 is pivotally supported by the support base 48 via the torsion bar 30.

The torsion bar 30 applies elastic force for causing the disk 21 to pivot counterclockwise about the central axis 25 to the disk 21. That is, the torsion bar 30 applies elastic force for moving the stems 11 p and 11 q downward to the intake valves 14 p and 14 q via the valve plate 31. When the electromagnetic force is not applied to the disk 21, the disk 21 is kept at the middle portion between the valve open position and the valve closed position due to the elastic forces of the lower springs 43 and the torsion bar 30. Contact between the input portion 32 c and the connection portion 22 is maintained by the elastic forces of the lower springs 43 and the torsion bar 30.

When an electric current is supplied to the coil 53 of the electromagnet 51 m, a magnetic flux flow is formed so as to pass through the core 52 of the electromagnet 51 m and the disk 21. Thus, the electromagnet 51 m generates electromagnetic force that attracts the disk 21 to the electromagnet 51 m. When an electric current is supplied to the coil 53 of the electromagnet 51 n, a magnetic flux flow is formed so as to pass through the core 52 of the electromagnet 51 n and the disk 21. Thus, the electromagnet 51 n generates electromagnetic force that attracts the disk 21 to the electromagnet 51 n.

The disk 21 is attracted alternately to the electromagnet 51 m and the electromagnet 51 n by the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnet 51 m and the elastic force of the lower spring 43, and the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnet 51 n and the elastic force of the torsion bar 30. As a result, the disk 21 pivots about the central axis 25. When the disk 21 is attracted to the electromagnet 51 m, the stems 11 p and 11 q move upward, and the intake valves 14 p and 14 q are brought to the valve closed positions. When the disk 21 is attracted to the electromagnet 51 n, the steps 11 p and 11 q move downward, and the intake valves 14 p and 14 q are brought to the valve open positions.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of the connection member in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 according to the embodiment of the invention, a needle bearing 81 is provided as the input portion 32 c. The needle bearing 81 is arranged at the tip of the intermediate stem 32. The needle bearing 81 contacts the connection portion 22.

When the disk 21 pivots about the support portion 23, the connection portion 22 pivots about the central axis 25 while making an arc-shaped trail. More specifically, when the disk 21 pivots from the position, at which the disk 21 is fully pivoted so that the valve is closed, toward the intermediate position, the connection portion 22 moves downward while moving in the direction in which the connection portion 22 moves away from the central axis 25 when viewed from above. When the disk 21 crosses the intermediate position and pivots toward the position, at which the disk is fully pivoted so that the valve is open, the connection portion 22 moves downward while moving in the direction in which the connection portion 22 comes closer to the central axis 25 when viewed from above. The connection member 50 together with the intake valves 14 p and 14 q reciprocates in the direction indicated by the arrows 101 while being supported by the guide member 42.

Therefore, the pivot motion of the disk 21 causes a displacement between the disk 21 and the connection member 50 in the direction that intersects with the direction in which the intake valves 14 p and 14 q reciprocate. In the embodiment of the invention, the needle bearing 81 rotates in the forward direction and the reverse direction while contacting the disk 21, whereby the relative displacement is absorbed.

The connection member 50 has an oil passage 66. The oil passage 66 is formed within the connection member 50 and opens near the needle bearing 81. The oil flows through the oil passage 66 and is supplied to the needle bearing 81.

The connection member 50 includes a pan-shaped oil bath portion 61. The needle bearing 81 is arranged in the oil bath portion 61. The oil passage 66 leads to the oil bath portion 61. The oil that is supplied through the oil passage 66 is stored in the oil bath portion 61. The needle bearing 81 is partially immersed in the oil that is stored in the oil bath portion 61. The oil that is stored in the oil bath portion 61 is raised by the rotation of the needle bearing 81, and supplied to the portion at which the needle bearing 81 and the disk 21 contact each other. In this way, it is possible to reliably lubricate and cool the needle bearing 81.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the electromagnetically-driven valve, taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 has an oil passage forming member 71. The oil passage forming member 71 is arranged on the top face of the cylinder head 18. The oil passage forming member 71 forms an oil introduction chamber 73 through which oil is introduced into the oil passage 66. For example, the engine oil within the cylinder head 18 is introduced into the oil passage 66 through the oil introduction chamber 73.

The valve plate 31 is slidably fitted in the oil introduction chamber 73. The valve plate 31 together with the intake valves 14 p and 14 q reciprocates while moving within the oil introduction chamber 73. An O-ring 72, which serves as a seal member, is arranged between the valve plate 31 and the inner wall of the oil introduction chamber 73. With this structure, it is possible to supply the oil into the oil passage 66 while preventing leakage of oil from the oil introduction chamber 73.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve plate 31 includes an fitting portion 34, which serves as a first fitting portion, and an fitting portion 35, which serves as a second fitting portion. The intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q are fitted in the fitting portion 34 and the fitting portion 35, respectively. A hole 36 and a hole 37 are formed in the fitting portion 34 and the fitting portion 35, respectively. The stem 11 p of the intake valve 14 p and the stem 11 q of the intake valve 14 q are fitted into the hole 36 and the hole 37, respectively. The fitting portion 34 and the fitting portion 35 are formed in such a manner that clearances are formed between the inner wall of the hole 36 and the stem 11 p and between the inner wall of the hole 37 and the stem 11 q. The oil passage 66 is formed so as to communicate with the fitting portion 34 and the fitting portion 35.

In the embodiment of the invention, the distance between the hole 36 and the hole 37 is determined based on the distance between the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q. However, it is difficult to accurately match the distance between the holes 36 and 37 with the distance between the intake valves 14 p and 14 q due to variation in the processing accuracy of the components and assembly error. Therefore, clearances are formed between the inner wall of the hole 36 and the stem 11 p and between the inner wall of the hole 37 and the stem 11 q. In this case, in accordance with the reciprocation of the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q, the inner wall of the hole 36 and the stem 11 p, and the inner wall of the hole 37 and the stem 11 q grind against each other, which may generate metal powder. However, if the oil is supplied to the fitting portions 34 and 35 through the oil passage 66, it is possible to appropriately lubricate the fitting portions.

In the embodiment of the invention, clearances are formed in the fitting portion 34 and the fitting portion 35. Alternatively, a clearance may be formed in one of the fitting portion 34 and the fitting portion 35. In this case, the oil passage 66 is formed so as to lead only to the fitting portion in which a clearance is formed. The fitting portions 34 and 35 are not limited to the ones described above. For example, shaft portions may be provided to the valve plate 31, and the shaft portions may be fitted in holes formed in the stems 11 p and 11 q.

The electromagnetically-driven valve 10 according to the embodiment of the invention includes: the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q that are provided in the gasoline engine 60, which is an internal combustion engine, that are arranged side by side, and that serve as the first valve and the second valve, respectively; the disk 21 that pivots using supplied electromagnetic force and that reciprocates the intake valve 14 p and the intake valve 14 q in the predetermined direction (direction indicated by the arrows 101); and the connection member 50 that connects the intake valve 14 p with the intake valve 14 q. The connection member 50 includes the needle bearing 81 that serves as the input portion into which the pivot motion of the disk 21 is input. The pivot motion of the disk 21 causes a displacement between the needle bearing 81 and the disk 21 in the direction that intersects with the predetermined direction. The oil passage 66 is formed in the connection member 50 and supplies the oil to the needle bearing 81.

In the thus structured electromagnetically-driven valve 10 according to the embodiment of the invention, the needle bearing 81 is reliably lubricated with the oil that is supplied through the oil passage 66. Thus, it is possible to reduce the friction in the needle bearing 81, thereby smoothly reciprocating the intake valves 14 p and 14 q. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of electric power consumed by the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 and prolong its useful life.

An example of the method for supplying the oil to the needle bearing 81 is to form the oil passage within the disk 21. However, as described above, when the intake valves 14 p and 14 q are driven, a magnetic flux flow is formed in the disk 21. Therefore, formation of the oil passage in the disk 21 interrupts the magnetic flux flow. As a result, the magnetic characteristics of the disk 21 may be impaired. In addition, the disk 21 repeatedly contacts the cores 52 of the electromagnets 51 m and 51 n. Therefore, it is not preferable to form the oil passage in the disk 21 from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient strength. In contrast, according to the embodiment of the invention, the oil passage 66 is formed in the connection member 50. Therefore, reduction in the magnetic characteristics and the strength of the disk 21 are avoided.

MODIFICATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Hereafter, various modifications of the electromagnetically-driven valve 10 according to the embodiment of the invention will be described. The structure that is common between the modifications and the embodiment will not be described below.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the needle bearing in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows the cross-section that is perpendicular to the cross-section shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the needle bearing 81 includes an outer race 82, an inner race 83, and multiple needle pins 84 that are multiple rotating elements. The inner race 83 is supported by the intermediate stem 32. The multiple needle pins 84 are arranged between the outer race 82 and the inner race 83, and aligned in the circumferential direction of these races. The outer race 82 has an outer periphery 82 a that contacts the disk 21, and an inner periphery 82 b that contacts the needle pins 84. A hole 86 that extends from the outer periphery 82 a to the inner periphery 82 b is formed in the outer race 82.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are perspective views showing shapes of the holes formed in the outer race of the needle bearing in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6A, multiple holes 86 may be formed in such a manner that the holes 86 are spaced apart from one another on the outer periphery 82 a and on the inner periphery 82 b. As shown in FIG. 6B, multiple oblong holes 86 may be formed in such a manner that the oblong holes 86 are spaced apart from one another on the outer periphery 82 a and on the inner periphery 82 b. As shown in FIG. 6C, the groove-like hole 86 that continuously extends in the circumferential direction of the peripheries may be formed in such a manner that the hole 86 divides the outer race 82 into two portions.

With the structure in which at least one hole 86 that extends through the outer race 82 is formed, it is possible to reliably supply the oil to the needle pins 84. Thus, it is possible to more reliably lubricate the needle bearing 81.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the electromagnetically-driven valve in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification, the needle bearing 81 that serves as the input portion 32 c is not provided, and the input portion 32 c contacts the disk 21. The input portion 32 c is the tip portion of the intermediate stem 32. The oil passage 66 is formed within the connection member 50 and opens at the input portion 32 c. When the intake valves 14 p and 14 q are driven, the input portion 32 c slides over the connection portion 22 of the disk 21. The structure of the input portion 32 c is not limited to the ones described above. For example, a separate member that is made of material having high abrasion resistance may be used as the input portion 32 c, which is fitted to the tip of the intermediate stem 32.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the electromagnetically-driven valve in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 8, an upper disk 21 x and a lower disk 21 y are provided instead of the disk 21 in FIG. 2, and an electromagnet 51 is provided instead of the electromagnets 51 m and 51 n in FIG. 2.

The upper disk 21 x and the lower disk 21 y are arranged with a predetermined space left therebetween. The support portion 23 of the upper disk 21 x and the support portion 23 of the lower disk 21 y have a central axis 25 x and a central axis 25 y, respectively. The upper disk 21 x and the lower disk 21 y are pivotable about the central axis 25 x and the central axis 25 y, respectively. The electromagnet 51 is placed between the upper disk 21 x and the lower disk 21 y.

Each of the connection portions 22 of the upper disk 21 x and the lower disk 21 y includes a pin 91. Oblong holes 92 are formed in the intermediate stem 32 and serve as input portions. When the pins 91 are fitted in the oblong holes 92, the upper disk 21 x and the lower disk 21 y are coupled to the intermediate stem 32. When the intake valves 14 p and 14 q are driven, the pins 91 reciprocate within the oblong holes 92 in the longitudinal direction of the oblong holes 92. Thus, it is possible to absorb a relative displacement between the upper disk 21 x/lower disk 21 y and the connection member 50 in the direction that intersects with the direction in which the intake valves 14 p and 14 q reciprocate.

The oil passage 66 is formed within the connection member 50 so as to open at the inner walls of the oblong holes 92. With this structure, it is possible to reliably supply the oil through the oil passage 66 to the portions at which the inner walls of the oblong holes 92 and the pins 91 slide over each other.

The thus structured electromagnetically-driven valve produces mostly the same advantageous effects as those in the embodiment of the invention.

Thus, the embodiment of the invention that has been disclosed in the specification are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope of the invention is defined by claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 

1. An electromagnetically-driven valve, comprising: a first valve and a second valve that are provided in an internal combustion engine, and that are arranged side by side; a disk that pivots using applied electromagnetic force to reciprocate the first valve and the second valve in a predetermined direction; and a connection member that includes an input portion into which pivot motion of the disk is input, and that connects the first valve with the second valve, wherein the pivot motion of the disk causes a displacement between the input portion and the disk in a direction that intersects with the predetermined direction, and an oil passage is formed within the connection member and allows oil to be supplied to the input portion.
 2. The electromagnetically-driven valve according to claim 1, wherein the input portion is. a bearing that is arranged so as to contact the disk.
 3. The electromagnetically-driven valve according to claim 2, wherein the connection member includes an oil bath portion in which the oil that is supplied through the oil passage is stored and the bearing is disposed.
 4. The electromagnetically-driven valve according to claim 2, wherein: the bearing includes an outer race, and multiple rotating elements that are arranged inside of the outer race and that are aligned in a circumferential direction of the outer race; and the outer race has an outer periphery that contacts the disk, an inner periphery that contacts the rotating elements, and a hole that extends from the outer periphery to the inner periphery.
 5. The electromagnetically-driven valve according to claim 1, wherein: the connection member includes a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion in which the first valve and the second valve are fitted, respectively; and the oil passage is formed so as to communicate with at least one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion.
 6. The electromagnetically-driven valve according to claim 1, wherein both the first valve and the second valve are intake valves or exhaust valves of the internal combustion engine.
 7. The electromagnetically-driven valve according to claim 1, wherein the input portion is an oblong hole in which a pin provided in the disk is fitted in such a manner that the pin is allowed to reciprocate within the oblong hole.
 8. The electromagnetically-driven valve according to claim 7, wherein the oil passage opens at an inner wall of the oblong hole. 